The Brittany Spaniel, celebrated for its boundless energy, intelligence, and amiable nature, has won the hearts of dog enthusiasts worldwide. For those captivated by this breed, exploring other canines with similar attributes can be rewarding. From their athleticism and adaptability to their affectionate temperament, these seven breeds offer a glimpse into a world of spirited companions reminiscent of the Brittany’s charm. Whether you’re an active adventurer or seeking a loyal family pet, discover these alike breeds that combine vigor with gentleness, and might find the perfect addition to your household.
If you love the Brittany Spaniel, you’re probably drawn to its boundless energy, friendly personality, and incredible intelligence. This medium-sized sporting breed is a fantastic hunting dog, an affectionate family companion, and an all-around adventure buddy. But what if you’re looking for a dog with similar traits—whether for hunting, agility sports, or just an active lifestyle?
Luckily, there are several breeds that share Brittany’s enthusiasm, athleticism, and trainability. From other spaniels to versatile sporting dogs, these breeds bring the same zest for life, making them perfect for active owners. Whether you want a dog with a similar temperament, size, or working ability, we’ve got you covered!
In this guide, we’ll explore the 7 best dog breeds like the Brittany Spaniel—each with its own unique charm while keeping that high-energy, affectionate nature you adore. Let’s find your perfect match!
Dogs Similar To Brittany Spaniel
1. German Longhaired Pointer
American Kennel Club (AKC) describes the German Longhaired Pointer as highly versatile, excelling in waterfowl hunting, upland game bird retrieval, and even tracking furred game like rabbits and squirrels.
It’s known for its excellent scenting abilities and versatility in the field, working as a pointer, retriever, and tracker. These dogs are highly intelligent, loyal, and have a strong work ethic, making them a great choice for hunting and active families.
They have a thick, water-resistant coat and need plenty of exercise to stay happy. Weighing between 60 to 70 pounds and living for about 12 to 14 years, it requires regular grooming 2–3 times a week to maintain its coat and prevent matting. After outdoor activities, it’s important to check for ticks or other debris.
Similarities with Brittany Spaniel dog
High energy
Great hunting companion
Loyal and intelligent
2. Boykin
The Boykin Spaniel is a smaller, highly energetic breed that shares the Brittany Spaniel’s enthusiasm for hunting and retrieving. Known as South Carolina’s state dog, it is especially skilled in waterfowl hunting, making it an excellent family pet who enjoys outdoor activities.
Boykin Spaniels are affectionate, friendly, and highly social dogs. They are known for their loyalty to their families and are also great with children and other pets.
These dogs are highly trainable due to their intelligence and eagerness to please. They bond closely with their owners, and while they love their time outdoors, they also enjoy curling up and spending time with their family members.
Similarities with Brittany Spaniel dog
Energetic and playful
Loving and sociable
Great hunting and retrieving skills
3. American Cocker Spaniel
The American Cocker Spaniel is one of the most popular spaniel breeds in the U.S. It shares Brittany Spaniel’s friendly nature but is smaller and more compact. While the American Cocker Spaniel is primarily a companion dog, it still has strong hunting instincts.
Their small size makes them perfect for retrieving from boats, and they’re the first sporting dogs developed in America just for that purpose. They are an affectionate breed known for their beautiful, silky coat and expressive eyes. It has a friendly and outgoing nature, making it a great companion for families.
According to WebMD, this breed weighs between 20 to 30 pounds and typically lives for 12 to 15 years. The average height for male American Cocker Spaniels is between 14.5 and 15.5 inches, while females typically stand one inch shorter, ranging from 13.5 to 14.5 inches.
Similarities with Brittany Spaniel dog
Friendly and affectionate
Medium size and adaptable
Intelligent and trainable
4. English Springer Spaniel
The English Springer Spaniel is another breed that shares many qualities with the Brittany Spaniel. They are incredibly intelligent, obedient, and eager to learn, making them one of the best breeds to train.
English Spaniel is one of the most popular Spaniels breed for hunting. It’s known for its friendly and energetic nature, making it great with children and families. It has a beautiful coat and is very versatile, excelling in both field and home environments.
These dogs are very similar to the Brittany Spaniel in terms of temperament and energy. This breed is known for its high energy and work ethic, excelling in hunting and retrieving. It’s a loyal, and social dog that bonds closely with its family.
Like the Brittany Spaniel, the English Springer Spaniel thrives on exercise and enjoys a variety of outdoor activities. Their excellent scenting abilities and trainability make them fantastic hunting companions.
Similarities with Brittany Spaniel dog
High energy levels
Eager to please and easy to train
Affectionate and social
5. Welsh Springer Spaniel
The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a versatile and energetic breed, known for its affectionate and friendly nature. It is a medium-sized, cutest dog breed with a beautiful, glossy coat, typically in shades of red and white.
The Welsh Springer Spaniel is thought to share the same ancestors as the Brittany Spaniel. This means they have many similarities in terms of appearance, temperament, and hunting ability.
While they are generally friendly and good with children, these pups require plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy. Regular walks, runs, and playtime are essential to keep their energy levels in check. They also benefit from mental stimulation, so training or engaging in activities like agility can be a great way to channel their enthusiasm.
Similarities with Brittany Spaniel dog
Closely related ancestry
Loyal and affectionate
Great sporting and hunting abilities
6. Pointer
The Pointer, also known as the English Pointer, is an elegant and athletic breed originally bred for hunting, particularly pointing and retrieving game. With their lean build, distinct posture, and muscular frame, Pointers are known for their stamina, speed, and precision in the field.
These pups have a short, smooth coat that comes in various colors, often including combinations of white with liver, lemon, black, or orange markings. Pointers are intelligent, and highly trainable, making them excellent working dogs.
They are generally good with kids and other pets, though their high prey drive means they might chase smaller animals if not properly trained. Their friendly and energetic nature, combined with their working abilities, makes them a versatile and loving addition to any home.
Similarities with Brittany Spaniel dog
High stamina and energy
Excellent hunting abilities
Intelligent and independent
7. Vizsla
The Vizsla is another breed that shares many qualities with the Brittany Spaniel. Often referred to as the “Velcro Dog,” the Vizsla is known for its strong attachment to its owner and need for companionship.
This breed is highly affectionate and bonds closely with its family. Like the Brittany, the Vizsla is a great hunting dog, known for its keen senses and versatility in the field.
It’s a highly trainable breed that excels in obedience and agility training. Vizslas require regular exercise to burn off their energy, and they thrive in homes where they are given plenty of attention and outdoor activities.
Similarities with Brittany Spaniel dog
Energetic and playful
Affectionate and people-oriented
Versatile sporting dog
Conclusion
Brittany Spaniels are energetic, intelligent, and affectionate dogs, making them perfect companions for active families and outdoor enthusiasts. If you love their hunting instincts, playful personality, and trainability, spaniel dog breeds like the Cocker Spaniel, Clumber Spaniel, and English Cocker Spaniel might be great alternatives.
When choosing a breed, consider your lifestyle, exercise routine, and training commitment to ensure a good fit. No matter which breed you choose, you’ll find a loyal, adventurous, and loving companion who thrives on activity and companionship!
In conclusion, the Brittany Spaniel is a versatile and energetic breed, admired for its friendly nature and hunting prowess. Exploring dog breeds similar to the Brittany, such as the Welsh Springer Spaniel, English Cocker Spaniel, and Vizsla, uncovers a range of companions sharing attributes like intelligence, agility, and a friendly demeanor. These breeds, while each possessing unique characteristics, often thrive in active households and make excellent family pets. By understanding the similarities and subtle differences among these breeds, potential dog owners can make informed choices that align with their lifestyle and preferences, ensuring a harmonious relationship with their canine companion.